Clasification Society Rulefinder 2026 - Version 9.60
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1206/Rev.1 – Measures to Prevent Accidents with Lifeboats – (11 June 2009) - Annex 1 - Guidelines for Periodic Servicing and Maintenance of Lifeboats, Launching Appliances and On-load Release Gear - Appendix - Specific Procedures for Maintenance and Servicing - 2 Annual Thorough Examination

2 Annual Thorough Examination

  2.1 As items listed in checklists for the weekly/monthly inspections also form the first part of the annual thorough examination, when carrying out this examination the inspection of these items should be performed by the ship’s crew in the presence of the manufacturer’s representative or other person appropriately trained and certified for the work to be done in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1277.

  2.2 Inspection and maintenance records of inspections and routine maintenance carried out by the ship’s crew and the applicable certificates for the launching appliances and equipment should be available.

Parent topic: Appendix - Specific Procedures for Maintenance and Servicing

Lifeboats

  2.3 The following items should be examined and checked for satisfactory condition and operation:

  • .1 condition of lifeboat structure including fixed and loose equipment;

  • .2 engine and propulsion system;

  • .3 sprinkler system, where fitted;

  • .4 air supply system, where fitted;

  • .5 manoeuvring system;

  • .6 power supply system; and

  • .7 bailing system.

Release gear

  2.4 The following should be examined for satisfactory condition and operation after the annual winch brake test with the empty boat, as required by paragraph 3.1:

  • .1 operation of devices for activation of release gear;

  • .2 excessive free play (tolerances);

  • .3 hydrostatic interlock system, where fitted;

  • .4 cables for control and release; and

  • .5 hook fastening.

Note 1 The setting and maintenance of release gear are critical operations with regard to maintaining the safe operation of the lifeboat and the safety of personnel in the lifeboat. All inspection and maintenance operations on this equipment should therefore be carried out with the utmost care.

Note 2 No maintenance or adjustment of the release gear should be undertaken while the hooks are under load.

Note 3 Hanging-off pennants may be used for this purpose but should not remain connected at other times, such as when the lifeboat is normally stowed and during training exercises.

Note 4 The release gear is to be examined prior to its operational test. The release gear is to be re-examined after its operational test and the dynamic winch brake test. Special consideration should be given to ensure that no damage has occurred during the winch brake test, especially the hook fastening.

  2.5 Operational test of on-load release function:

  • .1 position the lifeboat partially into the water such that the mass of the boat is substantially supported by the falls and the hydrostatic interlock system, where fitted, is not triggered;

  • .2 operate the on-load release gear;

  • .3 reset the on-load release gear; and

  • .4 examine the release gear and hook fastening to ensure that the hook is completely reset and no damage has occurred.

  2.6 Operational test of off-load release function:

  • .1 position the lifeboat fully waterborne;

  • .2 operate the off-load release gear;

  • .3 reset the on-load release gear; and

  • .4 recover the lifeboat to the stowed position and prepare for operational readiness.

Note Prior to hoisting, check that the release gear is completely and properly reset. The final turning-in of the lifeboat should be done without any persons on board.

  2.7 Operational test of free-fall lifeboat release function:

  • .1 engage the simulated launching arrangements as specified in the manufacturer's operating instructions;

  • .2 the operator should be properly seated and secured in the seat location from which the release mechanism is to be operated;

  • .3 operate the release mechanism to release the lifeboat;

  • .4 reset the lifeboat in the stowed configuration;

  • .5 repeat procedures .2 to .4 above, using the back-up release mechanism, when applicable.

  • .6 remove the simulated launching arrangements; and

  • .7 verify that the lifeboat is in the ready to launch stowed configuration.

Davit

  2.8 The following items should be examined for satisfactory condition and operation:

  • .1 davit structure, in particular with regard to corrosion, misalignments, deformations and excessive free play;

  • .2 wires and sheaves, possible damages such as kinks and corrosion;

  • .3 lubrication of wires, sheaves and moving parts;

  • .4 functioning of limit switches;

  • .5 stored power systems; and

  • .6 hydraulic systems.

Winch

  2.9 The following items should be examined for satisfactory condition and operation:

  • .1 open and inspect brake mechanism;

  • .2 replace brake pads, if necessary;

  • .3 remote control system;

  • .4 power supply system; and

  • .5 winch foundation.

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